Kelly R. Michaels's Blog, page 6

We're Close

A preview on KindleMy second editor has submitted his edits to me for Archer of the Lake.  I've applied them all, and now I am in the process of doing my own laborious, extensive read-through, fixing everything I can.  It's all looking good, and I'm excited to say that this is going to be awesome.

I've taken initial steps to format the ebook (which I've never done before - yikes!).  I'm still hoping for that May release.  In the meantime, if there are any fellow indie authors or book bloggers that would like to read Archer of the Lake for free (and in return I would ask for a review), just let me know!

Sit tight, folks.
-krm

Review of TWIN CURSE by Rinelle Grey

This is LONG overdue.  Many apologies to Rinelle.

I had another fantastic opportunity to read another ARC by Rinelle Grey before its release.  I finished this one in a timely manner but have been late in getting this review out because I've been out of town over the holidays and after that, I've had many RL, personal issues.  But here it is, my review of Twin Curse!  You can purchase the ebook from Amazon here.

Born together, wed together… 

The ancient law is a curse to Brianna, whose twin sister has fallen in love with a man Brianna can’t bring herself to marry. To avoid disappointing her family, she fakes her death and escapes Eryvale to hide in the dazzling city of Bymere…but the city doesn’t live up to its promise. 

Lonely and homesick, Brianna regrets her decision until she meets Lyall, a handsome mage. Their instant bond grows deeper, and despite knowing she can never marry him, Brianna accepts Lyall’s offer to leave Bymere before travellers from her village discover she’s still alive. Journeying to the exciting Isla de Magi, Brianna makes plans for a new life and is shocked to find she possesses mage magic as well. 

However, when a chilling dream warns of an impending threat to her village, Brianna must leave the Isle and rush home to help her sister. Soon Lyall follows, chasing after the same threat and longing to reunite with Brianna. But can the two work together to stop the danger? Or will Brianna be forced to choose between her love for Lyall and the safety and happiness of her sister?

Please note that I received the novel free of charge for my honest review for the author.

Rinelle paints a beautiful setting for her fantasy world, in which magic is feared and birth twins are shackled by a ridiculous and unforgiving law.

Being a twin myself, the story understandably drew me in from the beginning.  The portrayals of the twins--Mianna and Brianna--are very realistic, as they both share similar qualities while have distinct, and often contrasting personalities.  They butt heads, while ultimately remaining as a team.

My favorite character would have to be Lyall.  He has a strong sense of duty and initially investigates Brianna because he senses her powers.  When it becomes clear that she is oblivious of her own abilities, he watches over her, in a protective manner, which leads to a budding relationship.  I am impressed (yet often disappointed as an anticipating reader) by Brianna's resolve to resist pursuing the romantic pull she obviously feels, remaining loyal for her sister's benefit.  Ultimately, she chooses to join Lyall on the Isle de Magi to attempt to stake out a fulfilling life for herself as a mage.  But her devotion to her sister wins out and she abandons love and happiness to ensure Mianna's and Eryvale's safety.

Time passes and Lyall hardens as a person, and understandably so.  His change is realistic, but he is not the only one that changes.  Brianna remains strong as ever, but her will to put her own desires aside for the good of her family win out, as Lyall finds out when they reunite under tenuous circumstances.

The magic in this world is a misunderstood art, yet it paves the way for the story's ultimatum--highlighting the strength (and magic) of love, both romantic and familial.  Ultimately that is Rinelle Grey's brilliance in this story, love conquers all.  Love for a partner, love for family and children.  The underlying devotion and self-sacrifice remains the same, even in the story's villains--the rampaging trolls bent on total destruction.

It is a quick read once started that satisfies at the end.  I highly recommend it to any and everyone.

Unphotogenic Cats

Posted from my personal Facebook page:

"Cleo and I are excited to show off this single printed copy of Archer of the Lake (the book I wrote, by the way). We are super tickled, in case you couldn't tell from my frustrated expression. Because my cat is THE LEAST photogenic person in the world. Fifty snaps later and this was the best result.

 Anywho, this is the only physical copy in existence. And it's all mine. Honestly, it's not ready for release, for those that keep asking me. It's still in the Editing Process in The Hands of Mine Editors. I did a quick job of formatting for the paperback version and printed off one copy for myself (which equals to around $10, without author revenue. I'm not sure but I THINK it will be cheaper on Amazon, once I officially release it for purchase).

 It's riddled with typos and other errors that I am slowly marking off with sticky-notes. But after working on it for about two years now, I decided it was time to spoil myself and get me a physical, tangible THING to show myself how much it is worth it.

 So I'll be carrying this around on my person, if anyone who passes by me wants a glimpse.

 The official release date is set for May.
-krm"

News, news!

Amidst personal crisis-es, I bring glad tidings!

For the rewrite of Archer of the Lake is complete!

This round, the draft ended up being around 93k words (the original was around 98k words), so while I feel like I've added things, the draft ended up being nearly five thousand words shorter.  So, what's next?

I sent the draft to all my *official* editors (plus another one that my friend wants me to try). For those that beta read the original, I'm sorry but this time you will have to wait for the release to read it again.  And it is different enough, I believe, (in a good way) to compel the original readers to purchase a copy when it is released.  So incentive, eh?

Speaking of which, the new expected release date is May 2014.

Once I receive revisions from my editors, I will apply edits where necessary and then begin formatting for ebook.  Release for Kindle, then later Barnes & Noble, Smashwords, iBooks.  Then cue formatting for the paperback version.

And actually, if you are curious enough, I did some rough formatting for paperback yesterday.  Because, it's been two years and I feel like I need a physical copy to quell my anxieties about this.  I need it in my hands.  So even though it is unedited, I'm printing a personal copy (with a very crappy cover, I might add), and I'm going to review that and enjoy in a physical copy of my work.  If you were wondering, the book with glossary ends to be slightly over 300 pages.  I am excited.

I took some screenshots of the formatting work I did in Microsoft.  Here is what 300+ pages of a novel looks like Microsoft Word:

Click this link to my Facebook post.

We are close.  But what now? What project is there to do now?

If you don't know, I've done some previous work with Runewell (as suggested by the above tab).  I scrapped my old work and started new.  I've also started working on Archer's sequel, now titled The Prince of Kanetalm.  The prologue is finished, and the first chapter is close to being completed.

Meanwhile, I am looking at going off to college this fall to complete my degree.  I both dread and look forward to it.  I know not what the future holds for me, but I do know I am not done writing books. Not by any means.  But college will definitely put a damper on progress. My very slow progress...

But Book One is finished.  So there is that at least!

Thank you, everyone.

What's Happening

Hello! I haven't updated in a while, and I don't suspect that this will be a long post. I'm just giving a quick update on what's what.

BUT

Progress is being made on Archer. I'm over 50k words. Chapter 11 out of 17 (because I have chapters now and even added two extra chapters while writing). A friend and I have gone back over the beginning and we're doing some major revisions on this rewrite.

So whenever I do finish this, it better be damn near perfect.

In other news, I owe a review post for Rinelle Grey's Twin Curse, and I feel especially guilty after reading how unsuccessful its sales were going from one of her more recent blog posts.

But that's that. I'm supposed to be an indie author. I need to have a book out, and that has taken priority.

Thank you for your patience.

What's Happening

Hello! I haven't updated in a while, and I don't suspect that this will be a long post.  I'm just giving a quick update on what's what.

The writing workshop I attempted...I dropped it.  I know, I can never finish anything.

BUT

Progress is being made on Archer. I'm over 50k words.  Chapter 11 out of 17 (because I have chapters now and even added two extra chapters while writing).  A friend and I have gone back over the beginning and we're doing some major revisions on this rewrite.

So whenever I do finish this, it better be damn near perfect.

In other news, I owe a review post for Rinelle Grey's Twin Curse, and I feel especially guilty after reading how unsuccessful its sales were going from one of her more recent blog posts.

But that's that.  I'm supposed to be an indie author.  I need to have a book out, and that has taken priority.

Thank you for your patience.

[WW] 1 - Outlining

THE PLANNING PROCESS
January 1 - 15Section Three: Outlining

In the writing community, writers typically identify with one of two groups:
Planners OR Pantsers
Planner are those who plan, to some extent, the structure of their story or project.  Pantsers, as hinted by their name, prefer to plan as they write, fling by the seat of the pants. They may feel too impatient to sit down and draft an outline or they may feel as  though it's necessary.  Many beginning writers start writing feeling this way.  As time goes on, they may change to be planners. I was this way.  I decided to be a pantser, but quickly changed my ways.
Whether you're a planner or a pantser, an effective outline can go a long way to finishing your story.  (Honestly, don't knock an outline until you try it!)
As mentioned before, I can only show you methods that I know, ones that work for me, so while I explain my outlining process, please know that you are not restricted to this format.  However, I would like to see some form of outline from my participants, even an incomplete one.
The first thing to know about my outlines is that they are usually, always unfinished.  Even when they story is completed.  You may wish to rewrite it or add notes for a sequel.  My outlines tend to be several pages long and I'll include scans of them at the bottom of this post.
I feel more comfortable before I start working on a new book if I at least have some sort of working outline prepared.  When drafting your outline, you'll want to first make notes of all the major events that will occur in your story.  A list of a chronological timeline.  Or, if you prefer something more structured you can consider these divisions (which may also help develop your story):
1. Exposition2. Rising Action3. Climax4. Falling Action
OR
Introduce main character(s)Introduce problem/antagonistSearch to solve problemJourneyOther helpIntroduce secondary problemSolve secondary problemPrepare for conflict/climaxConflict/ClimaxEnd
You don't have to follow these outline examples exactly.  My outlines simply list all major events (which is really what those are without the specific headings).
The other things you want to include in your outlines are notes.  Include notes on characters (their family, personality), geographical annotations (maybe even sketch maps or blue prints), research notes, dialogue even. I know that I have a habit of imagining conversations between my characters, and I can use that for my book.  Write everything you can think of or remember for your outline.
There's a reason for this.  Some people will say that the purpose of an outline is to keep you organized.  While this is true, I use my outline primarily for a different reason. So I don't forget.  I've had more than enough times where I think of brilliant material and completely forget it later when I try to remember.  A good rule of thumb is that, if you think it up, write it down.
Another helpful hint I've learned from other writers--
I, like most people, usually write by hand.  (If you type everything, including your outline, then this will not apply to you).  Write down your outline by hand like normal and then scan copies of it to your computer.  That way, you will have a digital copy of your outline, should anything happy to your hard copy.
My outlines:(please respect my work and do not copy or redistribute it without my consent)
I couldn't find the original outline for Archer, but here are the outlines to other projects.  Please note, SPOILERS.

Eastmoon (Archer's sequel):

Email for copy.

Runewell:

Email for copy.

[WW] 1 - Antagonist

THE PLANNING PROCESSJanuary 1 - 15Section Two:  Antagonist
Your next important step in planning your story is to decide your antagonist.

In forming your protagonist's problem and consequently the plot drive, your antagonist becomes a critical player in your plot.  When you build you antagonist, it is important to keep in mind that they need to be initially more powerful than your protagonist.  Your antagonist presents the problem to your protagonist, and in order for the problem to exist, the protagonist must be unable to overcome this problem in the beginning.

So thus is the base creation of your story.  In order to defeat the antagonist, the protagonist must learn or discover the capability to conquer the antagonist.  If you feel that your story does not fit such parameters, consider all sorts of antagonists.  The antagonist may be one particular villain.  The antagonist may be an abstract or nonlinear source: an evil power or an internal flaw of your protagonist.  Your antagonist may be a force of nature, religion, government or other group of organizational means.

Develop your antagonist.  If it is a character, give them motivation and a personality. Why are they antagonist? Why are they, specifically, the opposing force to your protagonist?  To make him realistic, give him or her a childhood, parents, family.  A backstory.  But, perhaps the most important for this type of antagonist is they need a quality or characteristic that mirrors or contrasts your protagonist.

In my first book, the central antagonist may not be immediately clear. There are two swirling conflicts within Archer of the Lake, which is fine if you adequately devote time to each.

The antagonist to the first conflict would be an upset of governmental power, where the governing force exercises its abilities for a certain agenda. The agenda ultimately belongs to a particular character, but I have chosen not to reveal the character's identity for the sake of expanding the series.  (So note, it is important to consider that when writing a series of books, you must stretch a conflict and not immediately resolve it at the first book's end.  The antagonist must be logically present throughout all or the remaining books that will have this problem.)

In Archer of the Lake, my protagonist Caelfel maintains a stubborn sense of morality, which is a defining point to her character.  She lacks, however, the cunning and ability to truly search and overcome this mysterious antagonist.  Thus the need to make this antagonist appear for the following books.

The second conflict in this book is a run-of-the-mill villainous baddie.  When Caelfel is confronted and kidnapped, she has been stripped of all her weaponry and defenses, thus making her unable to defeat this antagonist--a specific villain named Admiral Grimault.  By the book's end, she is presented with an opportunity to slay the villain and, possessing the necessary determination and ability, she does, defeating the antagonist.

So, as suggested by the above section, defeating your antagonist does not have to be overly complicated.  The complexity comes from your Hero's Journey.  But defeating the actual villain may be as simple as silver bullets and the like.

With my second book, Archer of the Lake's sequel, the antagonist is a werewolf named Tarion, leading his pack of ravenous werewolves.  They present the major problems of the story.  Once Tarion is slain, his antagonistic reign comes to end.  But the story won't end there.  The good thing about sequels is that you can always bring a baddie from the first book back into the second.  Remember what I said earlier?

The overall problem that existed in Archer returns in its sequel.

What sort of antagonists are you planning for your novel?  Or, if your project is unconventional, what are you planning to be the opposing force for your protagonist?

[WW] 1 - Protagonist & Plot Drive

I've decided to initiate a writing workshop with my writing group "The Drunken Lion."  This workshop is designed to help prospective writers complete a novel.  The workshop is scheduled to last from January 1st - April 19th. Below is a rough timeline of what I intend to cover during this time.
1.  January 1 - 15: Brainstorming, Outlining, "The Planning Process" 2.  January 16 - 29: Exposition, Character & Plot Introduction 3.  January 30 - February 12: Rising Action & Character Development 4.  February 13 - 26: The Journey 5.  February 27 - March 12: "The Tough Stuff", Transitions & Boring Details 6.  March 13 - 26: The Plot Thickens 7.  March 27 - April 9: Falling Action & Ending 8.  April 10 - 19: Polishing & Editing 
I have decided to share the posts from my writing workshop lessons to my page here.  This is the first section on "The Planning Process", which focuses on the Protagonist and Plot Drive.

THE PLANNING PROCESS
January 1 - 15
 Section One: Protagonist & Plot Drive

 Welcome to my "Write a Novel with Me" Workshop! 
 We'll do introductions first. My name is Kelly, and I have written a book. For some reason, I feel as though this validates me enough to impart the wisdom of book-writing unto others. My book is not published yet, but I hope it will be soon. For more information on me as an author, you may visit my website ikellymichaels.com! 
This is the first day of the section I've titled as "The Planning Process." For the next two weeks, we will be extensively planning our books. Because we have have 14-week workshop, this is an accelerated course. In reality, there is no definite amount of time brainstorming or writing your book will take. But hopefully this workshop will break down and explain the process with you. 
Be mindful that I can only show you the way I write books. If you find a different way works for you, then I encourage you to pursue (and even share with everyone) that method! 
Let's get started! 
In order to have an idea that is able to be fully developed and expanded into the size of book, you must prepare your protagonist. 
I'm not saying you have to flesh out all the physical details or personality traits right now. But your protagonist needs a problem. This problem will be your protagnist's conflict, the drive that pushes the story to its conclusion. Be mindful of that when you develop this. Your protagonist(s) needs a logical, plausible reason for having said problem. And by your story's end, they will need to have learned/gleaned/gained the means to accomplish said problem. You don't need to envision the FULL JOURNEY now, but you'll need a pretty clean picture of the end, even if the End is the hero(ine) not solving the problem at all and BAM, you have a cliffhanger for your sequel. But there definitely will need to be a problem. 
I will use two examples throughout this workshop. One example will be from my completed book and the other will be from its sequel, the book I plan to write with you. 
In the completed book, Archer of the Lake, my protagonist is named Caelfel. Her problem, one of the central drives of the story, is her friendship with an outcast. Upon their initial meeting in the beginning, Caelfel's life has been thrown into constant adversity. She faces waves of problems because of this friendship. The driving point is that continuing such a friendship puts her life in danger, as culminated by her kidnapping at the end. Caelfel's personality, her staunch sense of morality and a blooming romance, perpetuate the problem through the story's end. You'll want to make sure that you perpetuate the problem to its fruition too. 
But a story can have more than one conflict. To make it complex, the protagonist needs underlying flaws that obstruct the path to their solution. Caelfel faces internal problems too. She grapples with her youth and the image society thrusts upon her, so she often feels a need to prove herself. Some ways through the story, Caelfel loses powers, her ability to perform magic, and then becomes defenseless to protect herself. These are compound problems that enhance your story and protagonist more. Solving them may prove more difficult than your initial problem, but they do develop your character more. 
In my sequel, Caelfel ventures away from her homeland and stumbles upon an army from a distant land. The army faces a problem, and Caelfel makes the problem her own. The driving point for this story are the rampant werewolves that terrorize this new kingdom. War and conflict are great, simple ways of creating a driving plot in your story. The secondary, compound problem Caelfel will face in the sequel is adjusting to the lifestyle of men, as she is an elf. The struggle for adaptation can grow a character in maturity, developing them further. 
 Those are just a few examples. Your story will be different of course. The essential theme here is to recognize that your character needs to achieve a goal. 
 So share below what sort of problems or protagonists you are creating! If you need some help, share your idea and we can discuss!

NaNo 2013 Progress, Week One

Because I've yet to been able to win National Novel Writing Month in past years, I decided to put forth my efforts into it again this year.  With less distractions, I thought I could easily devote the necessary time into cranking out a daily word count.

I created a new project for NaNoWriMo.  Here is a cover prototype and a synopsis for this novel.  I drew various inspiration from a dream I had, some research I did into the Fossegrim, and a song by Of Monsters and Men.

The Yellow Light of Lethderg

The Yellow Light of Lethderg by Kelly R. MichaelsAn evil spirit plagues the quiet town of Lethderg...

Women and children have gone missing in the past. Emeline, a fairly quiet and often lonely girl, finds herself in the midst of scandal once the disappearings start happening again. With the help of the huntsman Favian, Emeline seeks refuge in her beloved forest that her parents have forbidden her from entering. Emeline doesn't understand their apprehension for the forest, having seen no danger from it before.

But it is where the Grim lives, the spirit responsible for so many deaths and kidnappings.

Tensions rise in the town of Lethderg, particularly over the construction of a new mine that Emeline's new husband helps to establish. As a result, Emeline runs away from home, hiding out in the forest. It is that night she meets the yellow light of legend and discovers that he is not so evil. It turns to be quite a task to convince the townspeople of that.

But the people of Lethberg are not so open as Emeline, because they have not forgotten the death of Arabella.  And if this Grim isn't the evil spirit responsible for so many deaths, than that must mean her murderer remains at large.

Word Counts:
Day One     Day Two1,879 words     1,796 words(1, 879 / 1,666)     (3,674 / 3,333)
Day Three     Day Four1,339 words     3,354 words(5,013 / 5,000)     (8,364 / 6,666)
Day Five     Day Six536 words     1,363 words(8,900 / 8,333)     (10,263 / 10,000)
Day Seven1,627 words(11,890 / 11,666)
So, I was doing rather well for the first part of the week, enough where I could slack off towards the end and still remain marginally above my word count quota.  However, I should point out that Days 6 & 7 were spent working on Archer rewrites.  So I've been cheating, sort of.  But at least I'm putting out words, which is the entire point.  Besides, something inside of me nags when I work on anything besides finishing Archer.

Speaking of Archer, everyone is probably wondering, what's the deal with that?  Come on, Kelly.  You finished writing the book.  Then you got a cover.  And now you're rewriting it?  Give us a book already!

I know, I know. But this new version of Archer is much BETTER.  At least ten times better.  As confirmed by my editor when I sent her a preview.


I promise that I'm offering more than just empty promises for a book release (because I have had several people ask me about its release).  I've done a lot more organization as far as scene sequencing and chapter divisions.  I'd like to think there is more character and world development compared to the original.  So I promise that the wait will be worth it.

I am over 20,000 words in this new rewrite.  When completed, I will have 15 chapters, of which I am currently on  chapter number five.  So a third of the way total, but I would like to think I am halfway through the rewrite.  I'm aiming to rework the next five chapters, and after that, the last third of the book won't need any major work.  Just some touching up to account for logical fallacies of the rewrite.

Then it's off to my editor and then I shall format it for ebooks! I'm being very ambitious by wanting a December release.  I'm hoping it won't be any later than January, but we'll see how it goes.  I just want Archer to be done so I can guiltlessly work on other projects, because I have many in mind!